RBSE Solutions Class 11 Economics Chapter 14 Economic Ideas of J.K. Mehta

RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 14 Text Book Questions

RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 14 Objective Type Questions

Question 1. According to Prof. Mehta, man gets true happiness from:
(a) Increasing wants
(b) Keeping wants constant
(c) Minimising wants
(d) None of the options
Answer: (c) Minimising wants
In simple words: Prof. Mehta believed real happiness comes from having fewer wants, not more. When we want less, we feel happier.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on key terms like 'minimising wants' which reflect the core philosophy of Prof. Mehta.

Question 2. According to Prof. Mehta when does a person's mind stay in complete balance?
(a) In desireless state

Question 3. According to Prof. Mehta, which is an economic problem?
(a) Problem of selection
(b) Problem of minimizing wants
(c) Problem of finding means to fulfill wants
(d) Problem of increasing wealth
Answer: (b) Problem of minimizing wants
In simple words: Prof. Mehta believed that a key economic challenge is how to reduce our desires. This is because having too many wants causes problems.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand Prof. Mehta's central theme of 'wantlessness' and how it relates to economic problems.

Question 4. According to Prof. Mehta, the study of behaviour of one unit is done in:
(a) Micro-economics
(b) Macro-economics
(c) Welfare economics
(d) Developmental economics
Answer: (a) Micro-economics
In simple words: Micro-economics looks at how single small parts of the economy, like one person or one business, act. It focuses on individual choices and units.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate between micro-economics (individual units) and macro-economics (whole economy) based on their scope of study.

Question 5. According to Prof. Mehta, that study of economics which is related to period of time instead of a point of time, is called:
(a) Micro-economics
(b) Welfare economics
(c) Macro-economics
(d) None of the options
Answer: (c) Macro-economics
In simple words: Prof. Mehta said that studying economics over a period of time, rather than just a single moment, is called Macro-economics. It looks at bigger economic trends over time.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize that studying economics over a period (dynamic) vs. a point (static) defines different branches, specifically macroeconomics in this context.

Question 6. According to Prof. Mehta, which of these properties are not found in utility?
(a) Utility in an abstract material

RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 14 Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What is the root cause of all sorrows, according to Prof. Mehta?
Answer: The wants of human beings.
In simple words: Prof. Mehta believed that human desires are the main reason for all unhappiness.

🎯 Exam Tip: Directly state "human wants" as the fundamental cause of sorrow in Prof. Mehta's philosophy.

Question 2. What is the meaning of conscious wants according to Prof. Mehta?
Answer: According to Prof. Mehta, conscious wants are those desires we have for happiness. If these desires are not met, we feel sadness. This sadness shows our mind is aware of these unfulfilled wants.
In simple words: Conscious wants are desires for happiness. If they are not fulfilled, we feel sad, which means our mind knows about them.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect conscious wants with the feeling of sorrow when they are not fulfilled, linking it to the mind's awareness.

Question 3. In what way should taxes be determined, according to Prof. Mehta?
Answer: Taxes should be determined according to the quantity of sacrifice a person can make. The more a person can sacrifice without hardship, the more tax they should pay.
In simple words: Prof. Mehta thought that taxes should be decided based on how much people sacrifice.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use "quantity of sacrifice" as the key concept for determining taxes in Prof. Mehta's economic views.

Question 4. What is the main objective of economics according to Prof. Mehta?
Answer: Prof. Mehta believed the main goal of economics is to fulfill people's endless needs using the limited resources available. This involves making smart choices to get the most out of what we have.
In simple words: Economics, for Mehta, is about using limited things to meet our many unlimited needs.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the core economic problem of 'unlimited wants and limited resources' as the objective, according to Mehta.

Question 5. According to Prof. Mehta which wants when not satisfied, cause no feeling of sorrow?
Answer: Prof. Mehta stated that a person does not feel sad if they don't get something they've never heard of or seen before. Unconscious wants don't cause sorrow.
In simple words: If you don't know about something or have never seen it, you won't feel sad if you don't get it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the idea that unknown or unseen desires do not lead to sorrow, as they are not 'conscious' wants.

Question 6. Explain the meaning of welfare, according to Prof. Mehta?

Question 8. How is interest determined, according to Prof. Mehta?
Answer: Interest is determined by marginal productivity.
In simple words: Prof. Mehta believed that the amount of interest is decided by how much extra value or output the last unit of capital adds.

🎯 Exam Tip: Key term here is "marginal productivity" for interest determination.

RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 14 Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Mention the main points of Prof. Mehta's viewpoint of wantlessness.
Answer: Professor Mehta believed that human wants are endless. When one desire is met, another immediately appears. He proposed that the concept of 'wantlessness' can be applied to how goods and services are produced and used. This means all essential work should be performed without personal desire for gain, but with a selfless intention.
In simple words: Prof. Mehta thought our desires never end. To achieve peace, we should aim for 'wantlessness', meaning we do our work without selfish motives.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the concepts of "infinite wants" and "selfless purpose" in relation to Prof. Mehta's idea of wantlessness.

Question 2. Explain Prof. Mehta's state of wantlessness in the perspective of Gandhiji's principle of trusteeship.
Answer: Professor J.K. Mehta linked his idea of wantlessness to Mahatma Gandhi's principle of trusteeship, seeing it as a solution to all problems. Mehta suggested that if everyone did their duties correctly for universal well-being, problems would cease. He envisioned a society where the rich would not need to be taxed for the poor's welfare, as they would willingly share their wealth so that both they and the poor could benefit.
In simple words: Mehta connected not wanting things to Gandhiji's idea that rich people should manage their wealth for everyone's good. If this happened, rich people would share enough for the poor without needing taxes, solving many problems.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the connection between Mehta's wantlessness and Gandhi's trusteeship, focusing on selfless duty and equitable distribution of wealth.

Question 3. Clarify the difference between wants of the poor and the rich, according to Prof. Mehta.
Answer: According to Prof. Mehta, there are clear differences between the desires of the rich and the poor, as shown below:

🎯 Exam Tip: When comparing, ensure you highlight both the fulfillment of needs and the tax implications for rich and poor individuals, as per Mehta's perspective.

Question 4. According to Prof. Mehta, clarify the difference between pure and applied economics.
Answer: Professor Mehta distinguished between pure and applied economics as follows:
1. Pure Economics: This involves studying general economic theories.
2. Applied Economics: This focuses on applying specific economic principles within a given framework.
3. Welfare Focus: Pure economics deals with broader welfare concepts, while applied economics concentrates on worldly or material aspects.
4. Content: Pure economics mainly consists of economic principles, whereas applied economics includes practical rules.
In simple words: Pure economics deals with big ideas and theories. Applied economics takes those ideas and uses them in real-life situations. Pure economics thinks about overall well-being, while applied economics looks at money and things.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly separate pure economics (theory, general principles, broad welfare) from applied economics (practical application, specific rules, material aspects).

RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 14 Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Give a critical explanation of Prof. Mehta's wantlessness viewpoint.
Answer: Professor Mehta's concept of wantlessness is central to his economic philosophy. He believed that human desires are endless; satisfying one desire quickly leads to another. However, he noted that people don't feel pain for things they've never known or seen (unconscious needs). His wantlessness principle doesn't apply to these unconscious needs. Instead, it focuses on essential needs, recognizing that needs increase with income, so rich people have more desires than poor people.

Mehta defined economics as "a science which studies human behaviour which attempts to attain the objective of the state of wantlessness." He saw wantlessness as the ultimate goal, aligning with the Indian cultural principle of 'Santosh Param Sukham' (contentment is the greatest happiness). This state of wantlessness isn't about stopping all activity, like eating or earning; rather, it's about performing all necessary tasks with a selfless purpose. Mehta also linked this idea to Mahatma Gandhi's principle of Trusteeship, suggesting that lasting solutions to problems come from this selfless persistence.
In simple words: Prof. Mehta believed that happiness comes from having no desires or wanting less. He said economics should help us reach this 'wantless' state. This doesn't mean doing nothing, but doing things for the good of all, not just for ourselves, like Gandhiji's idea of sharing.

🎯 Exam Tip: In your explanation, highlight Mehta's definition of economics, the link to Indian philosophy (Santosh Param Sukham), the distinction between conscious and unconscious wants, and the connection to Gandhi's Trusteeship.

Question 3. Explain conscious and sub-conscious wants according to Prof. Mehta.
Answer: Professor Mehta explained conscious and unconscious wants by stating that when a desire is fulfilled, we experience satisfaction, which removes suffering. The presence of a need, or the inability to fulfill it, causes sorrow, which indicates our brain's consciousness of that need. Mehta considered this consciousness essential.

He also described wants whose absence we might notice, but which do not cause sadness because they are not truly 'conscious' in our mind. Sadness only occurs when such wants become conscious. Meeting these conscious needs brings relief. For instance, a person who has never heard of or seen something will not consciously desire it, and therefore will not feel sad if they don't get it. However, if they become aware of it, fulfilling that new conscious desire can bring happiness. This shows that unconscious needs can become conscious, creating new necessities.
In simple words: Conscious wants make us happy when we get them and sad when we don't, showing our mind knows about them. Unconscious wants are things we don't even know we want, so not having them doesn't make us sad until we become aware of them.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish conscious wants (cause sorrow when unfulfilled, create satisfaction when met) from unconscious wants (don't cause sorrow, become conscious upon awareness) in your explanation.

Question 5. Describe Prof. Mehta's thoughts on micro and macro economics.
Answer: Professor Mehta described micro and macro economics by first explaining that society consists of many units, and economics studies their behavior, including rules of consumption and production. An economist, with complete knowledge of an individual's behavior and their environment, can predict their economic actions like how much they will produce, buy, sell, save, or consume.

Micro-economics is the study of a single unit's behavior. It is called micro because it focuses on very small parts of the economy and explains how a unit reaches a state of balance.
Macro-economics involves studying all units in society at the same time, not just individual ones. Prof. Mehta believed that since people live in society, economics must study the behavior of all people, not just one, making macro-economics essential.
In simple words: Micro-economics looks at how one person or one small part of the economy acts. Macro-economics looks at how all people and the whole economy act together. Mehta thought both were important because people live in groups.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define micro-economics as the study of individual units and macro-economics as the study of the economy as a whole, providing examples of what each branch analyzes.

Question 7. Clarify Prof. Mehta's thought about Public Finance.
Answer: Professor Mehta explained public finance by defining its various components. His views on public finance can be understood through these headings:
i. Definition of Public Finance: Mehta clarified that 'public' here refers to the state or government. Public finance, therefore, studies the financial resources available to the state and how those resources are used.
ii. Public Income: According to Mehta, public income serves as the means to achieve public expenditure, which is the main goal. This income can come from various sources like duties and miscellaneous sources.
iii. Public Expenses: Public expenditure, for Mehta, holds the same importance in public finance as consumption does in economics. It's how the state provides services to society. He divided public expenditure into two categories:
1. Fixed Expenses
2. Variable Expenses
iv. Public Debt: Mehta observed that borrowing can become a habit for individuals, even without considering their financial status. He noted that this tendency is also true for states when they incur public debt.
In simple words: Prof. Mehta explained public finance as how the government manages its money. He said it looks at how the state gets money (public income) and how it spends it (public expenses) to help society, also considering public debt.

🎯 Exam Tip: Structure your answer by defining public finance and then elaborating on its key components: public income, public expenditure, and public debt, as outlined by Mehta.

RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 14 Other Important Questions

RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 14 Objective Type Questions

Question 1. When was Professor Mehta born?
(a) 1905
(b) 1910
(c) 1901
(d) 1915
Answer: (c) 1901
In simple words: Professor Mehta was born in the year 1901.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember key dates like birth years for important economists to score well on factual questions.

Question 2. Where was Professor Mehta born?
(a) Mumbai
(b) Madras
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(d) Bihar
Answer: (c) Uttar Pradesh
In simple words: Professor Mehta was born in Uttar Pradesh.

🎯 Exam Tip: Geographic facts, such as birthplaces of influential figures, are important for general knowledge questions.

Question 3. The principle of wantlessness is propounded by:
(a) Smith
(b) Keynes
(c) Mehta
(d) Deendayal Upadhyay
Answer: (c) Mehta
In simple words: The idea of 'wantlessness' was developed by Prof. Mehta.

🎯 Exam Tip: Associate the concept of 'wantlessness' directly with Professor J.K. Mehta.

Question 4. Mehta has mentioned wantlessness to be the:
(a) Ultimate goal
(b) Primary goal
(c) Intermediate goal
(d) None of the options
Answer: (a) Ultimate goal
In simple words: Prof. Mehta believed that achieving 'wantlessness' is the highest goal in life.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize 'ultimate goal' as the central status of wantlessness in Mehta's economic philosophy.

Question 5. The real happiness of the person is:
(a) In increasing the necessities
(b) In reducing the necessities
(c) In reducing the requirement to zero
(d) None of the options
Answer: (b) In reducing the necessities
In simple words: True happiness comes from having fewer needs, according to this idea.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that for Mehta, happiness is linked to reduction, not increase, of wants, but not necessarily zero.

Question 6. The surcharge on investment is called:
(a) Interest
(b) Fine
(c) Expenditure
(d) None of the options

Question 7. The surcharge on investment is called:
(a) Rent
(b) Interest
(c) Profit
(d) None of the options
Answer: (c) Profit
In simple words: The extra charge or earning on an investment, after covering its basic cost, is called profit.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that 'profit' is the return an entrepreneur receives for the risk and effort of investment.

Question 8. In how many parts has the public income been classified?
(a) Two
(b) Four
(c) Five
(d) One
Answer: (b) Four
In simple words: Public income is divided into four main types.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recall the specific number of classifications for public income, which is a factual detail.

Question 9. The parts of public income are:
(a) Tax
(b) Fees
(c) Duties
(d) All of the options
Answer: (d) All of the options
In simple words: Public income includes taxes, fees, and duties. So, all these options are correct.

🎯 Exam Tip: List all components that contribute to public income (tax, fees, duties) as per economic definitions.

Question 10. Who give the ordinal approach of utility?
(a) Hicks and Allen
(b) Marshall
(c) Keynes
(d) J.B.Say
Answer: (a) Hicks and Allen
In simple words: Hicks and Allen were the economists who proposed the idea of the ordinal approach to utility, which ranks preferences.

🎯 Exam Tip: Attribute the ordinal approach of utility correctly to Hicks and Allen.

Question 1. Who is the writer of public finance?
Answer: J.K. Mehta.
In simple words: J.K. Mehta wrote about public finance.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify J.K. Mehta as a key author in the field of public finance.

Question 2. Who is the pioneer of Indian theoretical economics?
Answer: J.K. Mehta is the pioneer of Indian theoretical economics.
In simple words: J.K. Mehta started the field of Indian theoretical economics.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note J.K. Mehta's significant role as a pioneer in Indian theoretical economics.

Question 3. On which traditions are the views of Professor Mehta based?
Answer: On Indian Traditions.
In simple words: Professor Mehta's ideas are rooted in Indian traditions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect Professor Mehta's economic views to their foundation in Indian cultural and philosophical traditions.

Question 4. Mehta's views differ from which economists?
Answer: The economists of the western countries.
In simple words: Mehta's ideas were different from those of economists in Western countries.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight that Mehta's unique perspective often contrasted with conventional Western economic thought.

Question 5. Where was J.K. Mehta born?
Answer: In the Rajnand village of Mumbai.
In simple words: J.K. Mehta was born in Rajnand village, near Mumbai.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recall specific biographical details, such as the birthplace of key figures, for direct recall questions.

Question 6. What is the full name of J.K.Mehta?
Answer: Jamshed Ker Khushro Mehta.
In simple words: J.K. Mehta's full name is Jamshed Ker Khushro Mehta.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure accuracy when stating full names of economists.

Question 7. How many ways are there to achieve a state of balance?

Question 9. Which problem did Professor Robbins describe as an economic problem?
Answer: The Problem of selection.
In simple words: Professor Robbins identified the problem of choosing among limited resources as a key economic problem.

🎯 Exam Tip: Associate "Problem of selection" directly with Professor Robbins' definition of economics.

Question 10. When is satisfaction obtained?
Answer: Upon the fulfillment of desire.
In simple words: Satisfaction is felt when a desire is successfully met.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define satisfaction as the result of fulfilling wants or desires.

Question 11. The feeling of sadness is a symbol of whose consciousness?
Answer: Brain's Consciousness.
In simple words: Feeling sad shows that our brain is aware of something missing or unfulfilled.

🎯 Exam Tip: Link the feeling of sadness to the brain's consciousness of unfulfilled wants, as per Mehta's ideas.

Question 12. What kind of needs does a rich man have?
Answer: His needs are more.
In simple words: A rich person generally has more needs or desires.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that according to Mehta, needs can vary based on wealth, with the rich having more.

Question 13. According to Mehta, how are the wants of a poor man as compared to a rich man?
Answer: His wants are less.
In simple words: Compared to a rich person, a poor person has fewer desires.

🎯 Exam Tip: Compare the number of wants between rich and poor, noting that the poor typically have fewer.

Question 14. On whom the tax burden should be the most?
Answer: On the rich person.
In simple words: The heaviest tax burden should be placed on wealthy individuals.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recall the principle of progressive taxation, where the rich bear a greater tax burden.

Question 16. When will the man not be sad?
Answer: When the requirements are zero.
In simple words: A person will not feel sad when they have no desires or needs.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect the absence of sadness to the complete elimination of wants or requirements.

Question 17. What do we study under pure science?
Answer: We study the general principles under pure science.
In simple words: In pure science, we learn about the main or basic rules and ideas.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that pure science primarily focuses on understanding general theories and principles.

Question 18. What do we study under practical science?
Answer: We study the examining of principles in practical science.
In simple words: In practical science, we look at how to use and test the principles we've learned.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate by noting that practical science applies and examines principles in real-world contexts.

Question 19. Whose study do you do in the subject matter of economics?
Answer: We do the study of human behaviour in the subject matter of economics.
In simple words: Economics mainly studies how people behave and make choices.

🎯 Exam Tip: State that human behavior is the central subject of study in economics.

Question 20. In what field are we under practical economics?
Answer: In the field of the material world.
In simple words: Practical economics deals with real-world material things and wealth.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect practical economics to the tangible, material aspects of the world.

Question 21. According to Professor Mehta, the economics of welfare is in fact welfare of whom?
Answer: It is the economics welfare of the society.
In simple words: Prof. Mehta believed that welfare economics is truly about the well-being of the whole society.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize that welfare economics, in Mehta's view, focuses on societal well-being.

Question 22. With what is dynamic economics related?

Question 23. With what is static economics related?
Answer: Static economics focuses on studying economic conditions at a specific moment in time. It provides a snapshot view of the economy without considering changes over time.
In simple words: Static economics looks at the economy as it is right now, not over a period.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define static economics as a snapshot view of the economy to differentiate it from dynamic economics.

Question 24. What kind of substance is utility?
Answer: Utility is considered an emotional or psychological substance. It represents the satisfaction or pleasure a person gets from consuming a good or service.
In simple words: Utility is how much good or happiness something brings to a person's feelings.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that utility is subjective and psychological, meaning it exists in a person's mind, not as a physical property.

Question 25. Who has given the cardinal approach of utility?
Answer: The cardinal approach to utility was developed by economist Alfred Marshall. This approach suggests that utility can be measured using numbers.
In simple words: Alfred Marshall said we can measure how useful something is with numbers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Associate "Cardinal Utility" with Marshall and the idea of measurable satisfaction using numerical values.

Question 26. Who has given the ordinal approach of utility?
Answer: The ordinal approach to utility was introduced by economists Hicks and Allen. This method allows consumers to rank their preferences without giving them specific numerical values.
In simple words: Hicks and Allen said we can rank what we like best, but we don't need numbers for it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Associate "Ordinal Utility" with Hicks & Allen and the idea of ranking preferences or choices.

Question 27. Write the names of any two books of Prof. Mehta.
Answer: Two notable books written by Prof. Mehta are:
1. Public Finance
2. Economics of Growth
In simple words: Two books by Prof. Mehta are "Public Finance" and "Economics of Growth."

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for specific names or titles, provide them accurately and clearly.

Question 28. What was the basis of the description of the definition of Professor Mehta?
Answer: Professor Mehta based his definition of economics on the ideas and philosophies of ancient Indian sages and great thinkers. His approach integrated traditional wisdom and values.
In simple words: Prof. Mehta's definition of economics came from the ideas of old Indian wise people and philosophers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the Indian philosophical roots when discussing J.K. Mehta's economic definitions, as this is a unique aspect of his work.

Question 30. Which powers have an influence on the human beings?
Answer: According to the theory, human beings are affected by external forces. These outside influences shape their behavior and decisions in the economy.
In simple words: People are influenced by things that are outside of them.

🎯 Exam Tip: In economic theory, external factors often play a significant role in influencing individual behavior and choices.

Question 31. What is the first path of achieving a state of balance?
Answer: The first way to achieve a state of balance is to change the surrounding environment to match what the mind desires. This means making the external world fit our internal wants.
In simple words: One way to find balance is to change the world around us to get what our mind wants.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand this path as actively modifying external conditions to align with internal desires, seeking harmony between the two.

Question 32. What is the second path of state of balance?
Answer: The second way to achieve balance involves shaping or training the mind itself. This allows the mind to remain undisturbed by the environment, reducing external influences.
In simple words: The second way to find balance is to train our mind so that outside things don't bother it.

🎯 Exam Tip: This path emphasizes internal control and adaptation of the mind, rather than trying to change the external world.

Question 33. When the desires or needs of man are not fulfilled, what will be the effect?
Answer: If a person's requirements or desires are not fulfilled, they will experience a feeling of pain or dissatisfaction. This lack of fulfillment leads to unhappiness.
In simple words: When people don't get what they want or need, they feel sad or hurt.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect unfulfilled desires directly to feelings of pain or suffering, as this is a core concept in welfare economics.

Question 34. What is dynamic economics?
Answer: Dynamic economics describes a situation where, even with constant starting conditions, adjustments are made over time to reach a final balanced state. It studies how economic variables change and interact over a period to find equilibrium.
In simple words: Dynamic economics looks at how the economy changes over time to find a new balance, even if it starts the same.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish dynamic economics by its focus on changes and adjustments over time, in contrast to static economics which looks at a single point in time.

Question 35. What is the meaning of developmental economics?
Answer:
In simple words:

🎯 Exam Tip: If an answer is missing, state the question clearly and indicate that no information was provided in the source.

Question 37. According to Professor Mehta what is the meaning of profit?
Answer: Professor Mehta defined profit as the reward an entrepreneur receives for taking on risks in their business. It is the compensation for their entrepreneurial ventures.
In simple words: Prof. Mehta said profit is what a business owner gets for taking risks.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining profit, always include the element of risk-taking by the entrepreneur as a key component.

Question 38. What are the four parts of public income?
Answer: The four main parts of public income are:
1. Tax
2. Fees
3. Duties
4. Miscellaneous Sources – Gifts, penalties.
In simple words: Public income comes from four main things: taxes, fees, duties, and other sources like gifts or fines.

🎯 Exam Tip: List and briefly explain each component of public income for a complete answer.

Question 39. What is the meaning of variable expenses?
Answer: Variable expenses are costs that change based on how much people use or consume services. These expenses directly affect and are determined by the level of service consumption.
In simple words: Variable expenses are costs that go up or down depending on how much a service is used.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that variable expenses are directly tied to the level of activity or consumption, unlike fixed expenses.

Question 40. In which terms can satisfaction be measured?
Answer: Satisfaction, in economic terms, can often be measured by using currency or money. The amount a person is willing to pay can indicate their level of satisfaction.
In simple words: We can measure how much satisfaction someone gets by looking at money.

🎯 Exam Tip: The idea of measuring satisfaction with money (cardinal utility) is a key concept in traditional economics.

Question 41. Is the state of wantlessnes the state of inactivity?
Answer:
In simple words:

🎯 Exam Tip: If an answer is missing, ensure the question is still provided and formatted correctly.

Question 42. According to Mehta, what are the types of desires?
Answer: According to Professor Mehta, desires can be categorized into two types:
1. Conscious
2. Unconscious
In simple words: Prof. Mehta said there are two kinds of desires: those we know about (conscious) and those we don't (unconscious).

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly differentiate between conscious and unconscious desires as per Mehta's classification, as this is fundamental to his theory.

Question 43. What is meant by conscious want?
Answer: Conscious wants are desires that, even when present, cause discomfort, or lead to sadness if they are not fulfilled. These are the wants we are actively aware of and feel the impact of.
In simple words: Conscious wants are desires that make us sad if we don't get them, or even just by having them.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the emotional impact (sorrow or discomfort) as a defining characteristic of conscious wants.

Question 44. What do you mean by unconscious need?
Answer: Unconscious needs are desires that exist within our feelings but do not actively cause us suffering when unmet. We are not consciously aware of their absence or presence causing distress.
In simple words: Unconscious needs are desires we have inside, but they don't make us feel bad if they are not met.

🎯 Exam Tip: Contrast unconscious desires with conscious ones by noting their lack of immediate suffering or awareness.

Question 45. J. K. Mehta gave ideas related to what?
Answer: J.K. Mehta contributed ideas and definitions to many areas of economics, including the concept of the representative firm, microeconomics, macroeconomics, public revenue, and economic development. This wide range of contributions established him as an important economist.
In simple words: J.K. Mehta shared his ideas on many parts of economics like how firms work, small and large economic studies, government income, and how economies grow.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention a few key areas of J.K. Mehta's contributions to show comprehensive knowledge of his work.

Question 46. Define economics as given by Mehta.
Answer: Professor Mehta defined economics as "a science that studies human behavior as a way to reach the goal of wantlessness." This definition emphasizes spiritual and philosophical aspects of economics.
In simple words: Mehta said economics is a study of how people behave to reach a state where they don't want anything.

🎯 Exam Tip: Quote Mehta's definition accurately and note its unique focus on "wantlessness" as the ultimate objective.

RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 14 Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Name the books written by J.K. Mehta.
Answer: Professor J.K. Mehta wrote several notable books, including:
1. Public Finance
2. Economics of Growth
3. Studies in Advanced Economic Theory
4. Principles of Exchange
5. Foundations of Economics
6. Macro Economics
In simple words: J.K. Mehta wrote many books like "Public Finance," "Economics of Growth," and books on advanced economic theory.

🎯 Exam Tip: List at least three to five of J.K. Mehta's book titles to show broad knowledge of his academic contributions.

Question 2. What is the meaning of conscious and unconscious need?
Answer: Conscious wants are desires that create sadness or discomfort if they exist or are not met. On the other hand, unconscious desires are feelings we have, but their presence or absence does not cause us suffering.
In simple words: Conscious wants make us sad if they aren't fulfilled, while unconscious desires are there but don't cause us distress.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly define each type and highlight how the presence or absence of suffering differentiates them in Mehta's philosophy.

Question 3. Explain the needs of the rich and the poor.
Answer: Poor people typically have fewer desires than rich people. Their limited income means they can only meet some of their needs, leaving many others unfulfilled. Consequently, a poor person usually does not experience the same level of happiness as a rich person.
In simple words: Poor people have fewer wants than rich people and can't meet all of them due to low income, leading to less happiness.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the difference in the number of wants and the ability to fulfill them based on income levels when comparing the rich and the poor.

Question 4. According to Professor Mehta, in what is the real pleasure present? Explain.
Answer: Professor Mehta believed that true happiness does not come from increasing one's desires but from reducing them. Since individuals have limited resources and cannot satisfy all their wants, the greatest happiness is found by minimizing desires, making it easier to achieve contentment.
In simple words: Prof. Mehta thought true happiness comes from having fewer wants, not more. Since we have limited things, wanting less helps us be happier.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect Prof. Mehta's view of pleasure with the concept of wantlessness and the acceptance of limited resources to explain true happiness.

Question 5. Explain pure and practical economics in brief.
Answer: Pure economics focuses on studying general theories and principles. In contrast, practical economics examines how these principles are applied within a specific real-world framework. Pure economics often deals with welfare, while practical economics handles worldly and material aspects, focusing on rules derived from principles.
In simple words: Pure economics studies general rules, while practical economics looks at how to use those rules in real-life situations, often about welfare versus material things.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between the theoretical nature of pure economics and the application-oriented nature of practical economics.

Question 7. Explain the scalability of utility.
Answer: Professor Mehta emphasized the quantitative measurement of utility, viewing it as a measurable concept. He noted that:
1. Utility is an abstract feeling, not a physical object.
2. Utility is not constant; it changes over time based on various factors.
3. The level of satisfaction derived from utility can be measured using money or currency.
In simple words: Prof. Mehta believed utility could be measured like numbers, especially with money. He said it's an abstract feeling that changes over time.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing utility's measurement, include the three key points Mehta made about its abstract nature, variability, and monetary measurability.

Question 8. Explain public income.
Answer: Public income refers to the funds collected by the government, which serve as the means to achieve the objective of public expenditure. This income is specifically gathered to finance government spending that benefits society. When public income is used wisely for public welfare, it leads to an overall increase in societal well-being, though it may require citizens to reduce their personal consumption.
In simple words: Public income is money the government collects to spend on society's welfare. This spending helps everyone and increases overall happiness.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define public income as the government's financial resources and link it to public expenditure aimed at increasing social welfare.

RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 14 Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Write the limitations of Mehta's economic perspective.
Answer: Professor Mehta's economic views, while aligning with Indian philosophy and ethics, have faced criticism in the modern materialistic context. The main limitations include:
1. He mistakenly viewed economics solely as an ideal science, overlooking its practical and real-world aspects.
2. Critics argue that he incorrectly equated "desires" and "needs," which are distinct concepts (e.g., medicine is a need for a sick person regardless of desire).
3. His definition of economics is often seen more as a religious or ethical guideline than a true economic definition.
In simple words: Mehta's economic ideas are criticized because he saw economics only as ideal, not real. He mixed up needs and desires, and his definition sounded more like religious advice than economics.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing limitations, focus on the distinction between ideal vs. real science, needs vs. desires, and the philosophical vs. practical nature of his definition.